Public Library Association

Public Libraries Magazine announces 2020 Feature Article Contest winners

CHICAGO -- Public Libraries, the official magazine of the Public Library Association, has announced the winners of its 2020 Feature Article Contest

The Public Library Association and Microsoft announce initiative to help expand internet access in rural communities during COVID-19 crisis

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft Corp. announced a new initiative today to increase access to technology in rural communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Microsoft will provide funding to help public libraries in rural communities extend WiFi access by installing public WiFi access points on or near library grounds.

2020 Public Library Association election results

CHICAGO -- Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the results of its 2020 Election. Voting was available from Mar. 9 through Apr. 1, and open to all PLA members in good standing.

Public Library Association seeks volunteers for committees, task forces, and advisory groups

Members encouraged to apply by April 24

CHICAGO -- Attention: Public Library Association (PLA) members. Are you looking for ways to expand your professional network and become more active in PLA? Please consider applying to serve as a volunteer on one of our committees, task forces, or advisory groups. Our volunteers help shape the Association by advancing its strategic plan and influencing the direction of public librarianship.

Public libraries launch, expand services during COVID-19 pandemic

As public libraries close their buildings to the public, staff continue to serve their communities in innovative ways. Those are among the chief findings the Public Library Association (PLA) announced today in the broadest survey of public libraries’ response to the pandemic to date, with 2,545 unique responses nationwide. Most respondents (98%) reported their buildings were closed to the public but, in many cases, staff continued to expand access to digital resources, launch virtual programs and coordinate services with local government agencies.

America’s libraries report for duty as 2020 Census opens

CHICAGO - Today, millions of U.S. households will begin receiving letters inviting them to respond to the 2020 census. The American Library Association issued the following statement by ALA President Wanda Brown:

"For the first time in history, U.S. residents have the opportunity to respond online. Many people will have questions, and they’ll turn to their libraries as one of the most trusted resources. I am proud to say that America’s libraries are ready to report for duty.

Polls now open in 2020 PLA election

Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 11:59 p.m. Central Time

CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association (PLA) 2020 election. Members will have an opportunity to elect three new directors to the PLA Board of Directors.

Public Library Association announces 2020 award winners

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has announced the winners of its 2020 awards and grants, honoring the best in public library service, innovation and outreach. Award and grant recipients are chosen by member volunteers who serve on PLA’s award juries. PLA President Ramiro S. Salazar, along with the award sponsors and PLA members, will recognize the award winners as part of the PLA Member Welcome Breakfast at the 2020 ALA Annual Conference this June in Chicago. Here are the winners:

Public Library Association stands with Nashville in wake of tornado

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is deeply saddened at news of the devastating impact of last night’s deadly tornado in Nashville and central Tennessee. Nashville Public Library locations are closed today, except for polling locations. PLA is reaching out to Nashville library leaders to see how the association can best support the library and its community in the coming days.